Community Forums

Hit_the_Rhod · 06-24-2019, 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChuckandSun

No one is supposed to be using cameras or recording devices in border & customs areas for good reason. You should have deactivated yours. If you didn't have a flag on your name for Homeland Security...you do now.

And that reason would be??? Personally I don't feel that any border or customs personnel should have a problem with their interaction being recorded as long as they conduct themselves above board and within the law, as has been my experience in numerous interactions with customs.

WorldCat25 · 06-25-2019, 05:32 AM

From the link posted, it seems US Customs are doing the same as TSA does - no photography in airport screening areas. I don't have a problem with it except I might forget to plug the plug (knowing me, I probably will).

vincee · 06-26-2019, 07:44 AM

Spoke to a Customs Agent last night, a supervisor at the Peace Bridge Buffalo, NY to Canada. Their computer screen does not show if you have a pistol/CC permit, hunting license, shotgun at home, or, anything of that like. If someone does get asked a question that it seems like they know everything about you, it is the individual agent throwing a flyer out to see if you bite on it. As has been said numerous times on this thread, the person I spoke to said honesty is your best friend.

Gordon Dewald · 06-26-2019, 08:27 AM

My opinion is the border guards seem to be more fussy about their own citizens.

I think this comes from their duties. They are Customs people not Immigration! So they are looking at the limit of what the citizen can import and any taxes or duties that are due. A person from another country may be liable for taxes on items they are planning to leave but not for items they are bringing across for their own use.

Pigman1 · 06-26-2019, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vincee

Spoke to a Customs Agent last night, a supervisor at the Peace Bridge Buffalo, NY to Canada. Their computer screen does not show if you have a pistol/CC permit, hunting license, shotgun at home, or, anything of that like. If someone does get asked a question that it seems like they know everything about you, it is the individual agent throwing a flyer out to see if you bite on it. As has been said numerous times on this thread, the person I spoke to said honesty is your best friend.

US Customs or Canadian Customs?
I've never been queried closely about that on the US side, but the Canada side was an entirely different story the FIRST time I crossed after getting 2 CC Permits. Subsequent crossings, no 20 questions, so perhaps a note in their file?

vincee · 06-27-2019, 07:25 AM

I don't think too many customs agents, especially coming back into the U.S. are worried about taxes and duties. I'm talking about going to Duty-Free or small ticket type items. For a $2 tax added to a bottle of liquor coming into the states, there are 3 or 4 pages of paperwork they agent has to fill out per bottle! However, I have a sister that lives in Canada who has had her Christmas presents for her and her two daughters confiscated at the border by Canadian Customs agents.

Gordon Dewald · 06-27-2019, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vincee

I don't think too many customs agents, especially coming back into the U.S. are worried about taxes and duties. I'm talking about going to Duty-Free or small ticket type items. For a $2 tax added to a bottle of liquor coming into the states, there are 3 or 4 pages of paperwork they agent has to fill out per bottle! However, I have a sister that lives in Canada who has had her Christmas presents for her and her two daughters confiscated at the border by Canadian Customs agents.

Canadians are limited to 800 per person when crossing. After that taxes and duties may be collected. Many Canadians use their time in the US to shop for things not available in Canada or at a substantial saving. The customs folks will cut some slack but when the number gets to a point they will assess.

Liquor is one big item. There are provincial taxes that range from 0.10 per ounce to over 1.00 per ounce. That starts after 1.15 litres. Considering a bottle that you can get in the US for $17 can retail for $65 in Canada many will bring quite a bit back. You can bring in up to 40 litres if you pay the tax. More than that requires an importing license.

I know a couple who used to cross the border with a 5 gallon water dispensing jug filled with vodka.

Monacoach · 07-06-2019, 07:25 PM

The motorhome is still sitting at the peace bridge so i asked a border guard today about it. He said it has been confiscated and will be sold at auction. He said they must have done something naughty.

vincee · 07-08-2019, 07:30 AM

Monacoach, what kind of motor home is it? Does it look beat or a newer nicer model?

Monacoach · 07-09-2019, 04:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vincee

Monacoach, what kind of motor home is it? Does it look beat or a newer nicer model?

Its a 2006 to 2008 holiday rambler vacationer deisel pusher pulling a car dolly. ( No car) It looks to be in good shape. Probably still worth approx 50000 i would guess.

Gordon Dewald · 07-09-2019, 08:00 AM

There is an impound lot clearly visible from the border crossing. There always seems to be an assortment of vehicles and trailers in it.

Absolutely amazing the risks some will take to avoid a 5% charge on goods. Total cost to bring back 14 1.75 liter bottles of liquor was $213.00. Not worth the risk or stress.